Methods and devices for resolving conflicts between identifiers for communication devices

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, identifying an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for a first mobile device, wherein the IMSI comprises fifteen digits. Further embodiments can include generating a first integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID). In addition, embodiments can include determining a match between the first ICCID and a second ICCID for a second mobile device and adjusting the first ICCID responsive to determining the match. Also, the embodiments can include transmitting the adjusted first ICCID. Transmitting the adjusted first ICCID facilitates a SIM manufacturer to provision a SIM with the first ICCID to a first mobile device to provide communication services. Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a methods and devices for resolvingconflicts between identifiers for communication devices.

BACKGROUND

A communication device such as a mobile device is configured with aninternational mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) that can be used forcommunication network registration. Further, the communication devicecan provisioned with an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID) thatis used to identify a subscriber identity module (SIM) for thecommunication device. In some cases The ICCID can be derived in partfrom the IMSI and in other instances the two are unrelated. However,there can be some instances the ICCID for two communication devices canbe the same when each of the two communication devices have similarIMSIs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2 depict illustrative embodiments of systems forresolving conflicts between identifiers for communication devices;

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used in portionsof the systems described in FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4-5 depict illustrative embodiments of communication systems thatprovide a resolution of conflicts between identifiers for communicationdevices;

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal forinteracting with the communication systems of FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2, andFIGS. 4-5;

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device; and

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions, when executed, maycause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for resolving conflicts between identifiers forcommunication devices. Embodiments can include identifying aninternational mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for a first mobiledevice, wherein the IMSI comprises fifteen digits. A first three digitsof the IMSI comprises a mobile country code (MCC). A second three digitsof the IMSI comprises a mobile network code (MNC). Further embodimentscan include generating a first integrated circuit card identifier(ICCID). The ICCID is comprised of several components (as specified inthe standard ITU E.118 incorporated herein by reference) and can benineteen (or twenty in some cases) digits, a first two digits of theICCID comprises a major industry identifier (MII), wherein a second twodigits comprises a country code (CC), and a first three digits of theICCID after the CC comprises the MNC. In addition, embodiments caninclude determining a match between the first ICCID and a second ICCIDfor a second mobile device and adjusting the first ICCID resulting in afirst adjusted ICCID responsive to determining the match. Also, theembodiments can include transmitting the adjusted first ICCID, whereinthe adjusted first ICCID is associated with the IMSI for the firstmobile device. Transmitting the adjusted first ICCID facilitates a SIMmanufacturer to provision a SIM with the first ICCID to a first mobiledevice to provide communication services. Other embodiments aredescribed in the subject disclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device. Furtherthe device can include a processing system including a processor and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessing system, facilitate performance of operations. The operationscan include identifying an international mobile subscriber identity(IMSI) for a first mobile device. The IMSI comprises fifteen digits suchthat a first three digits of the IMSI comprises a mobile country code(MCC) and a second three digits of the IMSI comprises a mobile networkcode (MNC). Further, the operations can include generating a firstintegrated circuit card identifier (ICCID). The ICCID comprises twentydigits such that a first two digits of the ICCID comprises a majorindustry identifier (MII), a second two digits comprises a country code(CC), and a first three digits of the ICCID after the CC comprises theMNC. In addition, the operations can include determining a match betweenthe first ICCID and a second ICCID for a second mobile device (In someembodiments, the ICCID can be comprised of 19 digits. In otherembodiments, twenty digits can be used. Some carriers prefer usingtwenty digits because it occupies 10 bytes in the SIM card). Also, theoperations can include adjusting the first ICCID resulting in a firstadjusted ICCID responsive to determining the match and transmitting theadjusted first ICCID, wherein the adjusted first ICCID is associatedwith the IMSI for the first mobile device. Transmitting the adjustedfirst ICCID facilitates a SIM manufacturer to provision a SIM with thefirst ICCID to a first mobile device to provide communication services.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablestorage medium, comprising executable instructions that, when executedby a processing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations. The operations can include identifying an IMSI for a firstmobile device. The IMSI comprises fifteen digits such that a first threedigits of the IMSI comprises a MCC, and a second three digits of theIMSI comprises a MNC. Further, the operations can include generating afirst ICCID. The ICCID comprises twenty digits such that a first twodigits of the ICCID comprises a MII, a second two digits comprises a CC,and a first three digits after the CC of the first ICCID comprises theMNC. In addition, the operations can include receiving a network errorindicating that the first ICCID is same as a second ICCID for a secondmobile device. Also, the operations can include adjusting the firstICCID resulting in a first adjusted ICCID such that the adjusting of thefirst ICCID comprises adjusting a number of digits for the CC of thefirst ICCID. Further, the operations can include transmitting theadjusted first ICCID. The adjusted first ICCID is associated with theIMSI for the first mobile device.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method. Themethod can include identifying, by a processing system including aprocessor, an IMSI for a first mobile device. The IMSI comprises fifteendigits such that a first three digits of the IMSI comprises a MCC, and asecond three digits of the IMSI comprises a MNC. Further, the method caninclude generating, by the processing system, a first ICCID. The ICCIDcomprises twenty digits such that a first two digits of the ICCIDcomprises a MII, a second two digits comprises a CC, and a first threedigits after the CC of the first ICCID comprises the MNC. In addition,the method can include determining, by the processing system, a matchbetween the first ICCID and a second ICCID for a second mobile device.Also, the method can include adjusting, by the processing system, thefirst ICCID resulting in a first adjusted ICCID responsive todetermining the match. The adjusting of the first ICCID comprisingadjusting a fourth digit of the first ICCID.

FIGS. 1A-C and FIG. 2 depict illustrative embodiments of systems forresolving conflicts between identifiers for communication devices.Referring to FIG. 1A, in one or more embodiments, a system 100 caninclude a communication device 104 associated with a user 102. Thecommunication device 104 can be a mobile device such as a mobile phone,tablet computer, laptop computer, sensor, Internet of Things (IoT)device, wearable device, or any communication device provisioned with aSIM. The communication device 104 can be provisioned with an IMSI aswell as an ICCID derived, in part, from the IMSI. In some embodiments,the ICCID is not used in any signaling over the air interface, only theIMSI is used. The ICCID is used to identify the physical SIM card and isused in IT systems. Further, a mobile network operator 106 can generatea new ICCID for a new communication device with a different IMSI thanthe IMSI for the communication device 104. That is, the mobile networkoperator 106 can generate the new ICCID according to part of the IMSIand can access a document 110 of a database from a server 108 to managethe ICCID for a newly provisioned SIM to be installed by a SIM provider114. After an ICCID is generated, it can be provided to a server 116operated by the SIM provider 114 over a communication network 112.

In one or more embodiments, a mobile network operator 106 can detectthat a newly generated ICCID for a newly provisioned SIM matches, is thesame as, or conflicts with the communication device 104 already in useby the mobile network. If a new communication device is provisioned withsuch a newly generated ICCID and is registered for use in the samemobile network as communication device 104 then there may be aregistration error, data routing error, or some other network errorassociated with the new communication device. For example, registrationfor the new communication device may be denied because a networkregistration device detects that communication device 104 has a matchingICCID to the new communication device and determines that data destinedfor communication device 104 can be incorrectly routed to the newcommunication device. In another example, the new communication devicecan be registered but data destined to communication device 104 can beincorrectly routed to the new communication device. In a furtherexample, a network registration device detects the communication device104 and the new communication device have the same ICCID and simplyprovides a notification to the new communication device of a networkerror. Any of these errors causes inconvenience to a user associatedwith the new communication device as well as mobile network operatorpersonnel who have to resolve such an ICCID conflict.

In one or more embodiments, in response to detecting that a newlygenerated ICCID matches, is the same as, or conflicts with the ICCIDassociated with the communication device 104, the server 108 can adjustthe newly generated ICCID resulting in an adjusted ICCID that isdifferent than the ICCID associated with the communication device 104.The adjusted ICCID can be provided to the server 116 associated with aSIM provider 114 over a communication network 112. The SIM provider canaccess the adjusted ICCID from the server 116 to provision a SIM for anew communication device, thereby avoiding any ICCID conflict withcommunication device 104.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in one or more embodiments, a first IMSI 124 for afirst communication device and a second IMSI 126 for a secondcommunication device are shown. The first three digits of an IMSI124-126 comprise the MCC and the next three digits comprise the MNC. Thelast nine digits can be a unique identification number. Further, FIG. 1Bshows a first ICCID 120 for the first communication device and a secondICCID 122 for the second communication device. The first ICCID 120 isassociated with the first IMSI 124 and the second ICCID 122 isassociated with the second IMSI 126. The first three digits of an ICCID120-122 comprise the MII, the next two digits comprise the CC, and thenext three digits comprise the MNC of the associated IMSI. Further, theeighth digit is the vendor number, and the next two digits are the cardtype. In addition, the next nine digits can be a unique identificationnumber that can be the last nine digits of the associated IMSI. Further,the last digit of the ICCID 120-122 can be a check digit. As can be seenin chart 128, the first IMSI can different from the second IMSI by onedigit because they each have a different MCC. Thus, using such a schemeshown in FIG. 1B to generate an ICCID, the first ICCID 120 can match, bethe same as, or conflict with the second ICCID 122.

Referring to FIG. 1C, in one or more embodiments, a first ICCID 130 anda second ICCID 132 can each be generated or adjusted to have differentICCIDs when having the same first IMSI 134 and the same second IMSI 136as shown in FIG. 1B. That is, the third digit of each ICCID 130-132 canbe adjusted to the second digit of the CC of the ICCIDs 120-122 shown inFIG. 1B. Further, the fourth digit of each ICCID can be adjusted to thethird digit of the associated IMSI 134-136. Thus, as shown in chart, theadjusted first ICCID 130 and the adjusted second ICCID 132 do not match,are the same, or conflict. Further, the each adjusted first ICCID 130and the adjusted second ICCID 132 is different than the first ICCID 120shown in FIG. 1B. Therefore, a first communication device configuredwith either the first ICCID or the first adjusted ICCID would not causea registration error, routing error, or some other network error when inthe same mobile network as a communication device configured with thesecond adjusted ICCID. Note, the scheme for adjusting the ICCID 130-132can also be used to generate an ICCID from an associated with IMSI.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one or more embodiments, a system 200 caninclude a network registration device 202 that registers communicationdevices 204, 210 into a mobile network. A user 206 at a residence 208 isassociated with communication device 204. Further, a user 212 may havenewly purchased communication device 210 at a mobile phone distributor214.

In one or more embodiments, communication device 204 can be associatedwith IMSI 124 while communication device 210 can be associated with IMSI126. Thus, communication device 204 can be provisioned with ICCID 120and communication device 210 can be provisioned with ICCID 122, whichmatches, is the same as, or conflicts with ICCID 120. Upon activatingcommunication device 210 and registering with network registrationdevice 202 for a mobile network, the network registration device candetect that ICCID 122 of communication device 210 matches, is the sameas, or conflicts with ICCID 120 of communication device 204. In otherembodiments, the network registration device detects a registrationerror, routing error, or some other network error for communicationdevice 210 and determines that ICCID 120 matches, is the same as, orconflicts with ICCID 122.

In one or more embodiments, the network registration device 202 canadjust the ICCID 122 of communication device 210 to an adjusted ICCID132 and update all network devices in the mobile network accordinglysuch that communication device 210 can operate without any networkerror. In some embodiments, the network registration device (or someother network device) 202 can generate and issue a new ICCID that is theidentical to ICCID 132. In other embodiments, the network registrationdevice 202 (or some other network device) can adjust the ICCID 120 ofcommunication device 204 to an adjusted ICCID 130 to prevent any matchor conflict to an ICCID associated with another communication device inthe future. In further embodiments, the network registration device 202can generate and issue a new ICCID that is the identical to ICCID 130.

FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 300 used inportions of the systems described in FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 2. In someembodiments, the method 300 can be implemented by a computing devicesuch as a SIM manager or an ICCID/IMSI manager. In other embodiments,the method 300 can be implemented by a computing device such as anetwork device (e.g. network registration device) operating in a mobilenetwork. The method 300 can include, at 302, the computing deviceidentifying an IMSI for a first mobile device. The IMSI comprisesfifteen digits such that a first three digits of the IMSI comprises amobile country code (MCC), and a second three digits of the IMSIcomprises a mobile network code (MNC). Further, the method 300 caninclude, at 304, the computing device generating a first ICCID. TheICCID comprises twenty digits such that a first two digits of the ICCIDcomprises a MII, a second two digits comprises a CC, and a first threedigits of the ICCID after the CC comprises the MNC. In addition, themethod 300 can include, at 306, the computing device receiving a networkerror indicating that the first ICCID is same as a second ICCID for asecond mobile device. Also, the method 300 can include, at 308, thecomputing device determining a match between the first ICCID and asecond ICCID for a second mobile device.

Further, the method 300 can include, at 310, the computing deviceadjusting the first ICCID resulting in a first adjusted ICCID responsiveto determining the match. In some embodiments, the adjusting of thefirst ICCID comprises adjusting a number of digits for the CC of thefirst ICCID. In other embodiments, the adjusting of the first ICCIDcomprises adjusting the CC from two digits to one digit. In furtherembodiments, the adjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjusting afourth digit of the first ICCID. In additional embodiments, theadjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjusting a fourth digit of thefirst ICCID to a first digit of the MCC of the IMSI.

In addition, the method 300 can include, at 312, transmitting theadjusted first ICCID, wherein the adjusted first ICCID is associatedwith the IMSI for the first mobile device. In some embodiments, thetransmitting of the adjusted first ICCID comprises transmitting theadjusted first ICCID to a computing device operated by a SIM provider.In other embodiments, the transmitting of the adjusted first ICCIDcomprises transmitting the adjusted first ICCID to a computing deviceoperated by a network management entity. Transmitting the adjusted firstICCID facilitates a SIM manufacturer to provision a SIM with the firstICCID to a first mobile device to provide communication services.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 3, it isto be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter is notlimited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Embodiments described herein or portions thereof can be combined withother embodiments described herein or portions thereof.

FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 400for providing various communication services, such as delivering mediacontent. The communication system 400 can represent an interactive medianetwork, such as an interactive television system (e.g., an InternetProtocol Television (IPTV) media system). Communication system 400 canbe overlaid or operably coupled with systems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1A and/or2 as another representative embodiment of communication system 400. Forinstance, one or more devices illustrated in the communication system400 of FIG. 4 can identify an IMSI for a first mobile device. The IMSIcomprises fifteen digits such that a first three digits of the IMSIcomprises a MCC, and a second three digits of the IMSI comprises a MNC.Further, the one or more devices can generate a first ICCID. The ICCIDcomprises twenty digits such that a first two digits of the ICCIDcomprises a MII, a second two digits comprises a CC, and a first threedigits of the ICCID after the CC comprises the MNC. In addition, the oneor more devices can determine a match between the first ICCID and asecond ICCID for a second mobile device. Also, the one or more devicescan adjust the first ICCID resulting in a first adjusted ICCIDresponsive to determining the match. Further, the one or more devicescan transmit the adjusted first ICCID. The adjusted first ICCID isassociated with the IMSI for the first mobile device.

In one or more embodiments, the communication system 400 can include asuper head-end office (SHO) 410 with at least one super headend officeserver (SHS) 411 which receives media content from satellite and/orterrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media contentcan represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still imagecontent, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 411 can forwardpackets associated with the media content to one or more video head-endservers (VHS) 414 via a network of video head-end offices (VHO) 412according to a multicast communication protocol. The VHS 414 candistribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network 418 tocommercial and/or residential buildings 402 housing a gateway 404 (suchas a residential or commercial gateway).

The access network 418 can represent a group of digital subscriber lineaccess multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a servicearea interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical linksor copper twisted pairs 419 to buildings 402. The gateway 404 can usecommunication technology to distribute broadcast signals to mediaprocessors 406 such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn presentbroadcast channels to media devices 408 such as computers or televisionsets managed in some instances by a media controller 407 (such as aninfrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway 404, the media processors 406, and media devices 408 canutilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerlineor phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocolsuch as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other presentor next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies.By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invokedbetween the media processors 406 and subsystems of the IPTV media systemfor services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronicprogramming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system 429 can be used in the mediasystem of FIG. 4. The satellite broadcast television system can beoverlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as anotherrepresentative embodiment of communication system 400. In thisembodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 415 that include mediacontent can be received by a satellite dish receiver 431 coupled to thebuilding 402. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver431 can be transferred to the media processors 406 for demodulating,decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the mediadevices 408. The media processors 406 can be equipped with a broadbandport to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 432 to enableinteractive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcastdistribution system such as cable TV system 433 can be overlaid,operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satelliteTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system400. In this embodiment, the cable TV system 433 can also provideInternet, telephony, and interactive media services. System 400 enablesvarious types of interactive television and/or services including IPTV,cable and/or satellite.

The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next generationover-the-air and/or landline media content services system.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled toone or more computing devices 430, a portion of which can operate as aweb server for providing web portal services over the ISP network 432 towireline media devices 408 or wireless communication devices 416.

Communication system 400 can also provide for all or a portion of thecomputing devices 430 to function as an ICCID manager (herein referredto as ICCID manager 430). The ICCID manager 430 can use computing andcommunication technology to perform function 462, which can includeamong other things, the ICCID management techniques described by method300 of FIG. 3. For instance, function 462 of server 430 can be similarto the functions described for servers 108 of FIG. 1A and networkregistration device 202 of FIG. 2 in accordance with method 300. Thewireless communication devices 416 can be provisioned with softwarefunctions and 466, respectively, to utilize the services of ICCIDmanager 430. For instance, functions 466 of wireless communicationdevices 416 can be similar to the functions described for thecommunication devices 104, 204, 210 of FIGS. 1A and 2 in accordance withmethod 300.

Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media devices overlandline technologies such as those described above. Additionally, mediaservices can be offered to media devices by way of a wireless accessbase station 417 operating according to common wireless access protocolssuch as Global System for Mobile or GSM, Code Division Multiple Accessor CDMA, Time Division Multiple Access or TDMA, Universal MobileTelecommunications or UMTS, World interoperability for Microwave orWiMAX, Software Defined Radio or SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and soon. Other present and next generation wide area wireless access networktechnologies can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system 500employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture tofacilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switchedsystems. Communication system 500 can be overlaid or operably coupledwith system 100 and 200 of FIGS. 1A and/or 2 and communication system400 as another representative embodiment of communication system 400.

Embodiments can include identifying an IMSI for a first mobile device.The IMSI comprises fifteen digits such that a first three digits of theIMSI comprises a mobile country code (MCC), and a second three digits ofthe IMSI comprises a mobile network code (MNC). Further embodiments caninclude generating a first ICCID). The first ICCID comprises twentydigits such that a first two digits of the ICCID comprises a majorindustry identifier (MII), a second two digits comprises a country code(CC), and a first three digits after the CC of the first ICCID comprisesthe MNC. Additional embodiments can include receiving a network errorindicating that the first ICCID is same as a second ICCID for a secondmobile device. Also, embodiments can include adjusting the first ICCIDresulting in a first adjusted ICCID. The adjusting of the first ICCIDcomprises adjusting a number of digits for the CC of the first ICCID.Further embodiments can include transmitting the adjusted first ICCID.The adjusted first ICCID is associated with the IMSI for the firstmobile device.

Communication system 500 can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)540, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 530, and other networkelements of an IMS network 550. The IMS network 550 can establishcommunications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs) 501,502, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs 503, 505, andcombinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)520 coupled to a PSTN network 560. The MGCF 520 need not be used when acommunication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. Acommunication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize theMGCF 520.

IMS CDs 501, 502 can register with the IMS network 550 by contacting aProxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with aninterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a ServingCSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS 540. To initiate acommunication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD 501 can submita Session Initiation Protocol (SIP INVITE) message to an originatingP-CSCF 504 which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF506. The originating S-CSCF 506 can submit the SIP INVITE message to oneor more application servers (ASs) 517 that can provide a variety ofservices to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers 517 can be used to performoriginating call feature treatment functions on the calling party numberreceived by the originating S-CSCF 506 in the SIP INVITE message.Originating treatment functions can include determining whether thecalling party number has international calling services, call IDblocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requestingspecial telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel callforwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initialfilter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, oneor more application servers may be invoked to provide various calloriginating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 506 can submit queries to the ENUMsystem 530 to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITEmessage to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminatingcommunication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by anInterrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 507 to submit a query to the HSS 540 toidentify a terminating S-CSCF 514 associated with a terminating IMS CDsuch as reference 502. Once identified, the I-CSCF 507 can submit theSIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF 514. The terminating S-CSCF514 can then identify a terminating P-CSCF 516 associated with theterminating CD 502. The P-CSCF 516 may then signal the CD 502 toestablish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services,thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voiceand/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various callterminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb,music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process issymmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 5 may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communicationsystem 500 can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition,communication system 500 can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs 501, 502with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system 400 ofFIG. 4.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD503 or CD 505 (in instances where the cellular phone only supportscircuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system 530 can respondwith an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originatingS-CSCF 506 to forward the call to the MGCF 520 via a Breakout GatewayControl Function (BGCF) 519. The MGCF 520 can then initiate the call tothe terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network 560 to enable the callingand called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 5 can operate as wirelineor wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 5 can becommunicatively coupled to a cellular base station 521, a femtocell, aWiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) baseunit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establishcommunications with the IMS network 550 of FIG. 5. The cellular accessbase station 521 can operate according to common wireless accessprotocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on.Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can beused by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly,multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used bythe CDs of FIG. 5.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice andpacket-switched data communications and thus may operate asIMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular basestation 521 may communicate directly with the IMS network 550 as shownby the arrow connecting the cellular base station 521 and the P-CSCF516.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component,or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software.Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF systemhaving one or more computers or servers, either centralized ordistributed, where each computer or server may be configured to performor provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionalitydescribed herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, otherfunctions, servers and computers described herein, including but notlimited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can beembodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers,either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may beconfigured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step,or functionality described herein in accordance with a respectivefunction, server, or computer.

The ICCID manager 430 of FIG. 4 can be operably coupled to communicationsystem 500 for purposes similar to those described above. ICCID manager430 can perform function 463 and thereby provide ICCID managementservices to the CDs 501, 502, 503 and 505 of FIG. 5 similar to thefunctions described for server 108 of FIG. 1A and network registrationdevice 202 in accordance with method 300 of FIG. 3. CDs 501, 502, 503and 505, which can be adapted with software to perform function 572 toutilize the services of the ICCID manager 430 similar to the functionsdescribed for communication devices 104, 204, and 210 of FIG. 1A andFIG. 22 in accordance with method 300 of FIG. 3. ICCID manager 430 canbe an integral part of the application server(s) 517 performing function574, which can be substantially similar to function 462 and adapted tothe operations of the IMS network 550.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and soon, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subjectdisclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that anyform of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commandsare terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may bedescribed in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3^(rd)Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some orall embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in partmodify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standardspublished and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal 602 of acommunication system 600. Communication system 600 can be overlaid oroperably coupled with systems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1A and/or 2,communication system 400, and/or communication system 500 as anotherrepresentative embodiment of systems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1A and/or 2,communication system 400, and/or communication system 500. The webportal 602 can be used for managing services of systems 100, 200 ofFIGS. 1A and/or 2 and communication systems 400-500. A web page of theweb portal 602 can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) withan Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication device suchas those described in FIGS. 1A and/or 2 and FIGS. 4-5. The web portal602 can be configured, for example, to access a media processor 406 andservices managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Videoon Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or apersonal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings,etc.) stored at the media processor 406. The web portal 602 can also beused for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioningInternet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal 602 can further be utilized to manage and provisionsoftware applications 462-466, and 572-574 to adapt these applicationsas may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of systems100, 200 of FIGS. 1A and/or 2, and communication systems 400-500. Forinstance, users, such as mobile network operator personnel, of theservices provided by server 108, network registration device 202 orICCID manager 430 can log into their on-line accounts and provision theserver 108, network registration device 202, or ICCID manager 430 withadjusted ICCID for a communication device to resolve ICCID conflictswith other communication device(s), and so on. Service providers can logonto an administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain thesystems 100, 200 of FIGS. 1A and/or 2 or server 430.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device 700.Communication device 700 can serve in whole or in part as anillustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIGS. 1A-1C and/orFIG. 2, and FIGS. 4-5 and can be configured to perform portions ofmethod 300 of FIG. 3.

Communication device 700 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 702 (herein transceiver 702), a user interface (UI) 704, apower supply 714, a location receiver 716, a motion sensor 718, anorientation sensor 720, and a controller 706 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 702 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1×, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 702 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 704 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 708 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device700. The keypad 708 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 700 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 708 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 704 can further include a display710 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 700. In anembodiment where the display 710 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 708 can be presented by way of the display 710 withnavigation features.

The display 710 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 700 can be adapted to present a user interface withgraphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by a userwith a touch of a finger. The touch screen display 710 can be equippedwith capacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology todetect how much surface area of a user's finger has been placed on aportion of the touch screen display. This sensing information can beused to control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functionsof the user interface. The display 710 can be an integral part of thehousing assembly of the communication device 700 or an independentdevice communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 704 can also include an audio system 712 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 712 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 712 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI704 can further include an image sensor 713 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 714 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 700 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 716 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 700 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 718can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 700 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 720 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device700 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 700 can use the transceiver 702 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 706 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 700.

Other components not shown in FIG. 7 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 700 can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button canbe used to reset the controller 706 of the communication device 700. Inyet another embodiment, the communication device 700 can also include afactory default setting button positioned, for example, below a smallhole in a housing assembly of the communication device 700 to force thecommunication device 700 to re-establish factory settings. In thisembodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paperclip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button.The communication device 700 can also include a slot for adding orremoving an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services,executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device 700 as described herein can operate with moreor less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 7. These variantembodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subjectdisclosure.

The communication device 700 can be adapted to perform the functions ofcommunication devices 104, 204, and 210 of FIGS. 1A and/or 2, the mediaprocessor 406, the media devices 408, or the portable communicationdevices 416 of FIG. 4, as well as the IMS CDs 501-502 and PSTN CDs503-505 of FIG. 5. It will be appreciated that the communication device700 can also represent other devices that can operate in systems 100,200 of FIGS. 1A and/or 2, communication systems 400-500 of FIGS. 4-5such as a gaming console and a media player. In addition, the controller706 can be adapted in various embodiments to perform the functions462-466 and 572-574, respectively.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to anartisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can bemodified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of theclaims described below. Other embodiments can be used in the subjectdisclosure.

It should be understood that devices described in the exemplaryembodiments can be in communication with each other via various wirelessand/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can be links that aredescribed as coupled, connected and so forth, which can includeunidirectional and/or bidirectional communication over wireless pathsand/or wired paths that utilize one or more of various protocols ormethodologies, where the coupling and/or connection can be direct (e.g.,no intervening processing device) and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediaryprocessing device such as a router).

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 800 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as the ICCID manager 430, the media processor 406,servers 108, 116, communication devices 104, 204, 210, networkregistration device 202 and other devices of FIGS. 1A-2. In someembodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 826) toother machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (ordistributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

The computer system 800 may include a processor (or controller) 802(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit(GPU, or both), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, whichcommunicate with each other via a bus 808. The computer system 800 mayfurther include a display unit 810 (e.g., a liquid crystal display(LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system 800may include an input device 812 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 814 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 816, a signal generationdevice 818 (e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interfacedevice 820. In distributed environments, the embodiments described inthe subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units810 controlled by two or more computer systems 800. In thisconfiguration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may inpart be shown in a first of the display units 810, while the remainingportion is presented in a second of the display units 810.

The disk drive unit 816 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 822 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 824) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above. Theinstructions 824 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 804, the static memory 806, and/or within theprocessor 802 during execution thereof by the computer system 800. Themain memory 804 and the processor 802 also may constitute tangiblecomputer-readable storage media.

Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays andother hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement themethods described herein. Application specific integrated circuits andprogrammable logic array can use downloadable instructions for executingstate machines and/or circuit configurations to implement embodiments ofthe subject disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus andsystems of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronicand computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals communicated between and through the modules,or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, theexample system is applicable to software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the subject disclosure, theoperations or methods described herein are intended for operation assoftware programs or instructions running on or executed by a computerprocessor or other computing device, and which may include other formsof instructions manifested as a state machine implemented with logiccomponents in an application specific integrated circuit or fieldprogrammable gate array. Furthermore, software implementations (e.g.,software programs, instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to,distributed processing or component/object distributed processing,parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also beconstructed to implement the methods described herein. Distributedprocessing environments can include multiple processors in a singlemachine, single processors in multiple machines, and/or multipleprocessors in multiple machines. It is further noted that a computingdevice such as a processor, a controller, a state machine or othersuitable device for executing instructions to perform operations ormethods may perform such operations directly or indirectly by way of oneor more intermediate devices directed by the computing device.

While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 822 is shown in anexample embodiment to be a single medium, the term “tangiblecomputer-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a singlemedium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database,and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets ofinstructions. The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any non-transitory medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods ofthe subject disclosure. The term “non-transitory” as in a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage includes without limitation memories, drives,devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.

The term “tangible computer-readable storage medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state memories such asa memory card or other package that houses one or more read-only(non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or other re-writable(volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical medium such as a diskor tape, or other tangible media which can be used to store information.Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more ofa tangible computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein andincluding art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which thesoftware implementations herein are stored.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsimplemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standardsand protocols, the disclosure is not limited to such standards andprotocols. Each of the standards for Internet and other packet switchednetwork transmission (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) representexamples of the state of the art. Such standards are from time-to-timesuperseded by faster or more efficient equivalents having essentiallythe same functions. Wireless standards for device detection (e.g.,RFID), short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth®, WiFi, Zigbee®), andlong-range communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used bycomputer system 800. In one or more embodiments, information regardinguse of services can be generated including services being accessed,media consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. Thisinformation can be obtained by various methods including user input,detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs. audiocontent), analysis of content streams, and so forth. The generating,obtaining and/or monitoring of this information can be responsive to anauthorization provided by the user. In one or more embodiments, ananalysis of data can be subject to authorization from user(s) associatedwith the data, such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgementrequirements, notifications, selective authorization based on types ofdata, and so forth.

The illustrations of embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments,and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all theelements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use ofthe structures described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Theexemplary embodiments can include combinations of features and/or stepsfrom multiple embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figuresare also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certainproportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

Less than all of the steps or functions described with respect to theexemplary processes or methods can also be performed in one or more ofthe exemplary embodiments. Further, the use of numerical terms todescribe a device, component, step or function, such as first, second,third, and so forth, is not intended to describe an order or functionunless expressly stated so. The use of the terms first, second, thirdand so forth, is generally to distinguish between devices, components,steps or functions unless expressly stated otherwise. Additionally, oneor more devices or components described with respect to the exemplaryembodiments can facilitate one or more functions, where the facilitating(e.g., facilitating access or facilitating establishing a connection)can include less than every step needed to perform the function or caninclude all of the steps needed to perform the function.

In one or more embodiments, a processor (which can include a controlleror circuit) has been described that performs various functions. Itshould be understood that the processor can be multiple processors,which can include distributed processors or parallel processors in asingle machine or multiple machines. The processor can be used insupporting a virtual processing environment. The virtual processingenvironment may support one or more virtual machines representingcomputers, servers, or other computing devices. In such virtualmachines, components such as microprocessors and storage devices may bevirtualized or logically represented. The processor can include a statemachine, application specific integrated circuit, and/or programmablegate array including a Field PGA. In one or more embodiments, when aprocessor executes instructions to perform “operations”, this caninclude the processor performing the operations directly and/orfacilitating, directing, or cooperating with another device or componentto perform the operations.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the understanding thatit will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of theclaims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can beseen that various features are grouped together in a single embodimentfor the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method ofdisclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that theclaimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited ineach claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subjectmatter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimedsubject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: identifying an internationalmobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for a first mobile device, wherein theIMSI comprises fifteen digits, wherein a first three digits of the IMSIcomprises a mobile country code (MCC), wherein a second three digits ofthe IMSI comprises a mobile network code (MNC); generating a firstintegrated circuit card identifier (ICCID), wherein the ICCID comprisestwenty digits, wherein a first two digits of the ICCID comprises a majorindustry identifier (MII), wherein a second two digits comprises acountry code (CC), and wherein a first three digits of the ICCID afterthe CC comprises the MNC; determining a match between a first pluralityof digits of the first ICCID and a second plurality of digits of asecond ICCID for a second mobile device; adjusting at least one of thefirst plurality of digits of the first ICCID to a third plurality ofdigits resulting in a first adjusted ICCID responsive to determining thematch, wherein the first adjusted ICCID comprises the third plurality ofdigits, wherein the first plurality of digits is different from thethird plurality of digits; and transmitting the adjusted first ICCID,wherein the adjusted first ICCID is associated with the IMSI for thefirst mobile device.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjusting ofthe first ICCID comprises adjusting a number of digits for the CC of thefirst ICCID.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the adjusting of thefirst ICCID comprises adjusting the CC from two digits to one digit. 4.The device of claim 1, wherein the adjusting of the first ICCIDcomprises adjusting a fourth digit of the first ICCID.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the adjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjusting afourth digit of the first ICCID to a first digit of the MCC of the IMSI.6. The device of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the adjusted firstICCID comprises transmitting the adjusted first ICCID to a computingdevice operated by a subscriber identity module (SIM) provider.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the transmitting of the adjusted first ICCIDcomprises transmitting the adjusted first ICCID to a computing deviceoperated by a network management entity.
 8. A machine-readable storagemedium, comprising executable instructions that, when executed by aprocessing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: identifying an internationalmobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for a first mobile device, wherein theIMSI comprises fifteen digits, wherein a first three digits of the IMSIcomprises a mobile country code (MCC), wherein a second three digits ofthe IMSI comprises a mobile network code (MNC); generating a firstintegrated circuit card identifier (ICCID), wherein the ICCID comprisestwenty digits, wherein a first two digits of the first ICCID comprises amajor industry identifier (MII), wherein a second two digits comprises acountry code (CC), and wherein a first three digits after the CC of thefirst ICCID comprises the MNC; receiving a network error indicating thatthe first ICCID is same as a second ICCID for a second mobile device;adjusting the at least one of a first plurality of digits of the firstICCID to a second plurality of digits resulting in a first adjustedICCID, wherein the first adjusted ICCID comprises the second pluralityof digits, wherein the adjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjustinga number of digits for the CC of the first ICCID, wherein the firstplurality of digits is different from the second plurality of digits;and transmitting the adjusted first ICCID, wherein the adjusted firstICCID is associated with the IMSI for the first mobile device, whereintransmitting the adjusted first ICCID facilitates a SIM manufacturer toprovision a SIM with the first ICCID to the first mobile device toprovide communication services.
 9. The machine-readable storage mediumof claim 8, wherein the adjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjustingthe CC from two digits to one digit.
 10. The machine-readable storagemedium of claim 8, wherein the adjusting of the first ICCID comprisesadjusting a fourth digit of the first ICCID.
 11. The machine-readablestorage medium of claim 8, wherein the adjusting of the first ICCIDcomprises adjusting a fourth digit of the first ICCID to a first digitof the MCC of the IMSI.
 12. The machine-readable storage medium of claim8, wherein the transmitting of the adjusted first ICCID comprisestransmitting the adjusted first ICCID to a computing device operated bya subscriber identity module (SIM) provider.
 13. The machine-readablestorage medium of claim 8, wherein the transmitting of the adjustedfirst ICCID comprises transmitting the adjusted first ICCID to acomputing device operated by a network management entity.
 14. A method,comprising: identifying, by a processing system including a processor,an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for a first mobiledevice, wherein the IMSI comprises fifteen digits, wherein a first threedigits of the IMSI comprises a mobile country code (MCC), wherein asecond three digits of the IMSI comprises a mobile network code (MNC);generating, by the processing system, a first integrated circuit cardidentifier (ICCID), wherein the ICCID comprises twenty digits, wherein afirst two digits of the ICCID comprises a major industry identifier(MII), wherein a second two digits comprises a country code (CC), andwherein a first three digits after the CC of the first ICCID comprisesthe MNC; determining, by the processing system, a match between a firstplurality of digits of the first ICCID and a second plurality of digitsof a second ICCID for a second mobile device; and adjusting, by theprocessing system, at least one of the first plurality of digits of thefirst ICCID to a third plurality of digits resulting in a first adjustedICCID responsive to determining the match, wherein the first adjustedICCID comprises the third plurality of digits, wherein the adjusting ofthe first ICCID comprising adjusting a fourth digit of the first ICCID,wherein the first plurality of digits is different from the thirdplurality of digits.
 15. The method of claim 14, comprisingtransmitting, by the processing system, the adjusted first ICCID,wherein the adjusted first ICCID is associated with the IMSI for thefirst mobile device.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein thetransmitting of the adjusted first ICCID comprises transmitting, by theprocessing system, the adjusted first ICCID to a computing deviceoperated by a subscriber identity module (SIM) provider.
 17. The methodof claim 15, wherein the transmitting of the adjusted first ICCIDcomprises transmitting the adjusted first ICCID to a computing deviceoperated by a network management entity.
 18. The method of claim 14,wherein the adjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjusting a number ofdigits for the CC of the first ICCID.
 19. The method of claim 14,wherein the adjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjusting the CC fromtwo digits to one digit.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein theadjusting of the first ICCID comprises adjusting a fourth digit of thefirst ICCID to a first digit of the MCC of the IMSI.